Tulsa Police, Firefighters Raise Money For Crime Prevention Network

The group that funds the Crime Stoppers program got some extra financial help Monday thanks to a benefit that raised money for the non-profit Crime Prevention Network, which relies solely on donations to operate.

Fundraisers like the one at the 624 restaurant in downtown Tulsa are crucial, as thousands of dollars were raised.

While the donations help, Executive Director, Carol Bush, said it's just a small percentage of the overall cost to keep the program running.

Tulsa Police and firefighters were out of uniform and served guests at restaurant 624. The departments competed against each other to earn the most tips - with all the money benefiting Crime Prevention Network.

"Every year it's gotten bigger and bigger where they try to outdo each other and that's what makes it fun," Bush said.

CPN runs Crime Stoppers, the Alert Neighbors Program and several similar community programs. It relies solely on donations to meet the organizations $250,000 in operating costs.

"A lot of times on the funding streams, because a lot of people think this is something the city should be funding - there is a disconnect - so we constantly are having to remind folks we are here," Bush said.

She said each month about 350 people call Crime Stoppers to leave anonymous tips.

"Of those tips, anywhere from 50 to 150 will result in an arrest," said Bush.

Each tipster could receive up to $1,500 - all of it is paid for by the Crime Prevention Network.

And you can't drive far in Tulsa without seeing one of the Alert Neighbor signs.

Police and other city leaders share vital information at meetings to help communities prevent and fight crime.

Alert Neighbor coordinator Kathryn Lyons said, "We had several robberies when we started the Tulsa Midtown Alert Neighbors page and ever since then everyone has been much more aware,"

Lyons helps run the Alert Neighbors Facebook page.

With more than 8,000 followers, it's helped to find missing kids, recover stolen items and serve a very important purpose in the life of midtown neighbors.

"It's made a difference in the lives of many people in the neighborhoods," she said.

Police earned the most tips at Monday night's event. They had some help from a K-9 officer named Iwan, who had a lot of money hanging from his collar.